Director of Software Development
Coherent Corp., Santa Clara, CA, United States
Job Description
Key customers (technical engagement & architecture discussions)
15+ years embedded software experience + 5+ years managing software teams
Strong experience in Optical Networking (Layer 0 and/or Layer 1), photonic control, network element management
Proven ability to lead architecture, release roadmap, and cross-functional engineering (HW, FW, Systems)
Key Stakeholder Relationships
PLM (Product Line Management)
Hardware Development
Systems Engineering
Product Validation
Global R&D leadership
Key customers (technical engagement & architecture discussions)
Top 3 Essential Requirements
15+ years embedded software experience + 5+ years managing software teams
Strong experience in Optical Networking (Layer 0 and/or Layer 1), photonic control, network element management
Proven ability to lead architecture, release roadmap, and cross-functional engineering (HW, FW, Systems)
Skills / Experience
Expert in C/C++ for embedded systems
Deep experience with L0/L1 optical networking platforms
Experience with management interfaces (NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC), YANG models
Experience with SONiC, FRR, OVS, Linux multiprocess/multithread design
CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
Alarms, PMs, North-bound interfaces, service management
Cross-site and global team leadership
Understanding of L2/L3 routing protocols
Position Responsibilities
Develop and own GS2000 release roadmap
Manage resources and commitments across multiple concurrent releases
Translate customer/product requirements into feature requirements
Lead architectural reviews and code quality standards
Deliver timely resolution of customer issues and patch releases
Promote GS2000 software with key customers
Ensure software documentation is accurate and current
Build and develop a high-performing engineering team, mentor junior engineer
Collaborate with PLM, HW Development, Systems, and Validation teams
Biggest Challenges / Problem this person is looking to solve
Achieving fast feature velocity without creating technical debt
Maintaining cross-functional integration (HW/SW/FW/Systems) within a Global organization
Strengthen technical credibility for GS2000 with Hyperscalers and other Tier 1 customers
Ensuring robust quality across complex L0/L1 features with a rapidly growing team
Creating and integrating US software team with existing Global SW team engineering team
What Achievements / Successes would you be looking for in their career
Successfully led embedded SW teams for complex optical/networking systems
Delivered multiple releases with high quality and predictable timelines
Built or scaled an engineering team (architecture + execution)
Demonstrated deep customer-facing leadership (technical roadmap, architecture)
Proven record of resolving critical field/customer issues rapidly
Implemented modern SW practices (CI/CD, DevOps, automated testing)
Working Conditions
This position is hybrid
May require occasional off-site meetings or travel
Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job
May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive’s needs
Physical Requirements
Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust
C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard‑work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.
LinkedIn
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Key customers (technical engagement & architecture discussions)
15+ years embedded software experience + 5+ years managing software teams
Strong experience in Optical Networking (Layer 0 and/or Layer 1), photonic control, network element management
Proven ability to lead architecture, release roadmap, and cross-functional engineering (HW, FW, Systems)
Key Stakeholder Relationships
PLM (Product Line Management)
Hardware Development
Systems Engineering
Product Validation
Global R&D leadership
Key customers (technical engagement & architecture discussions)
Top 3 Essential Requirements
15+ years embedded software experience + 5+ years managing software teams
Strong experience in Optical Networking (Layer 0 and/or Layer 1), photonic control, network element management
Proven ability to lead architecture, release roadmap, and cross-functional engineering (HW, FW, Systems)
Skills / Experience
Expert in C/C++ for embedded systems
Deep experience with L0/L1 optical networking platforms
Experience with management interfaces (NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC), YANG models
Experience with SONiC, FRR, OVS, Linux multiprocess/multithread design
CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
Alarms, PMs, North-bound interfaces, service management
Cross-site and global team leadership
Understanding of L2/L3 routing protocols
Position Responsibilities
Develop and own GS2000 release roadmap
Manage resources and commitments across multiple concurrent releases
Translate customer/product requirements into feature requirements
Lead architectural reviews and code quality standards
Deliver timely resolution of customer issues and patch releases
Promote GS2000 software with key customers
Ensure software documentation is accurate and current
Build and develop a high-performing engineering team, mentor junior engineer
Collaborate with PLM, HW Development, Systems, and Validation teams
Biggest Challenges / Problem this person is looking to solve
Achieving fast feature velocity without creating technical debt
Maintaining cross-functional integration (HW/SW/FW/Systems) within a Global organization
Strengthen technical credibility for GS2000 with Hyperscalers and other Tier 1 customers
Ensuring robust quality across complex L0/L1 features with a rapidly growing team
Creating and integrating US software team with existing Global SW team engineering team
What Achievements / Successes would you be looking for in their career
Successfully led embedded SW teams for complex optical/networking systems
Delivered multiple releases with high quality and predictable timelines
Built or scaled an engineering team (architecture + execution)
Demonstrated deep customer-facing leadership (technical roadmap, architecture)
Proven record of resolving critical field/customer issues rapidly
Implemented modern SW practices (CI/CD, DevOps, automated testing)
Working Conditions
This position is hybrid
May require occasional off-site meetings or travel
Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job
May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive’s needs
Physical Requirements
Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust
C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard‑work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.
#J-18808-Ljbffr